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Selected:Affinity DiagrammingSolution InterviewRisk StormingATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Product Discovery Solution Interview |  Architecture Risk Storming |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. | When a solution idea is already on the table, it checks how it is understood and evaluated. It looks for resonance, objections, and missing fit early in the conversation. | Helps clarify architecture context, options, and consequences in concrete terms. It organizes technical context, alternatives, and consequences. The result is captured as an Annotated Diagram, a Prioritized Risk List, and an Action Backlog. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 30-60 min je Interview | 60-90 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 5-10 Interviews | 4-12 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Solution Feedback, Objection List, Validation Notes | Annotated Diagram, Prioritized Risk List, Action Backlog | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | ValidationInterviewsPrototype | RiskArchitectureWorkshopValidation | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders |